Ten 13 isn’t Van Hagar, but it is worth the money
Casey Hobson, Staff Writer
It’s not Van Halen, but it is Sammy Hagar.
Hagar’s third solo album (Ten 13) since parting ways with Van Halen in 1996, is similar to his previous two CDs (Marching to Mars and Sammy Hagar and the Waboritas: Red Voodoo).
However, the album is unique enough – like the Red Rocker himself – to hook its listeners and leave them wondering: “How old is this guy, anyway?”
Old is a relative term, and Hagar, 53, acts and sounds like he’s still in his 20s. And Ten 13 sounds like he set out to prove he can still party just as hard as anyone almost from the very opening guitar chords of “Shaka Doobie,” the first track.
“Shaka Doobie” and “Let Sally Drive” both have that pedal-to-the-medal sound that made Hagar a star – the sound that was the heart and soul of his biggest solo hit, “I Can’t Drive 55.”
But “Ten 13” isn’t just another production of the same old vintage Hagar sound. It’s deeper. It’s more complex.
It is, to use the title of the album’s third track, some “Serious Juju.”
Hagar takes “Serious Juju” off the deep end and into the world of “Strawberry Fields” and other tripped out, psychedelic acid trips. It is a similar sound to “Salvation on Sand Hill” from the “Marching to Mars” album.
But Hagar is quick to bring the album back to Earth with the fourth track, “The Message,” a reformed, Hagar version of Van Halen’s 1992 hit “Right Now.” Though not as heavily based on piano, “The Message” is a solid attempt at recreating the success of “Right Now” by blending a lively piano part with a strong guitar.
It’s a decent sound, but doesn’t come close to capturing the glory of “Right Now.”
The best song on the album might be the last, “Tropic of Capricorn.” This song alone makes the CD worth purchasing. It’s destined to be a classic among Red Rocker fans. Close your eyes and see if you don’t picture yourself at a beach party somewhere with bonfires, dazzling women and lots of beer – which is what 90 percent of most Hagar songs are about.
“Tropic of Capricorn,” however, captures the feeling of being there.
Maybe it’s the 11 years he spent at the helms with Van Halen. Maybe it’s his age. Whatever it is, “Ten 13” is more diversified than some of Hagar’s previous albums.
From the bluesy “Protection” to the softer songs like “Deeper Kinda Love” and “Little Bit More,” “Ten 13” has a little of something for everyone from the 18-year-old high school senior to 60-year-old, life-long Hagar fans.
No, this isn’t Van Halen. It’s not even Van Hagar. If it’s wild guitar solos you’re wanting, you’ll have to keep hoping that Eddie Van Halen and company can find another lead singer.
But if it’s those classic Hagar vocals you miss from Van Halen’s glory days, then you’ll enjoy this album almost as much.